DFA issues warning to Filipinos abroad over rising online scams

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has joined the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and its partners in intensifying efforts to protect Filipinos from online scams through digital literacy and improved cyber hygiene, including a warning for Filipinos abroad.

In a joint push under the #BSPSecuriTips campaign, authorities flagged a rise in cybercriminals hacking social media accounts and impersonating friends or relatives to solicit money. The DFA said overseas Filipinos are also being targeted, often receiving urgent messages from accounts posing as family members in distress.

Officials said these scams exploit trust and urgency, tricking victims into sending money without verifying the request. Because the messages appear to come from known contacts, many are caught off guard.

The DFA urged Filipinos especially those living or working overseas to remain vigilant and verify any financial requests through other means, such as direct calls or secure messaging platforms. They also advised the public to be cautious of urgent pleas for money and to avoid immediately trusting messages, even if they appear to come from familiar accounts.

Authorities emphasized that strengthening online security is critical. They encouraged users to enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking suspicious links that could compromise accounts.

The campaign promotes the practice of “CPR” Check, Protect, Report urging the public to verify information, secure their accounts, and report suspicious activity to authorities or platform providers.

The DFA said the initiative reflects its commitment to safeguarding Filipinos worldwide from digital threats, stressing that awareness and proactive online behavior remain key defenses against scams.